Finger attachment



Dec. 17, 1940. J. E. SMITH FINGER ATTACHMENT 7 Filed July 16. 1958 Patented Dec. 17, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

Ihis invention relates to feminine habiliment for use in the preparation and maintenance of the toilet, that appeals to the vanity and assists in satisfying the cosmetic urge, as well as the embellishing and rendering more femininely attractive ornamental and alluring the person using the same.

More particularly, the invention relates to a device applicable to the prehensile organ or finger, in a manner not to interfere with the use of the distal segment of the same, and useful as an auxiliary fingernail as well as to prevent injury to or breakage of the original nail.

The invention contemplates the utilization of l; separate attachments for each finger and the fastening of the devices of all the fingers to a strap or band located around the carpus or wrist so that they do not become lost and are present for ready use.

The invention further contemplates a finger attachment that maybe easily applied and removed and having means for firmly holding the same in position, as well as a device that will not interfere with the growth of the nail. 2.", Other objects and the nature and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are, respectively, top plan, side and front elevational views of an ornamental finger attachment constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a manner of fastening the devices of the other figures to the wrist;

7, Figs. 5 and 6, respectively, are top plan and longitudinal sectional views of a modified type of attachment;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of another modification;

Figs, 8, 9 and 10, respectively, are side elevation, longitudinal sectional and front end elevation of a further modification; and,

Fig. 11 is a view in perspective of a still further modification.

As shown on the drawing the finger attachment is preferably of a relatively thin stiff material of light weight and comprises, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, a body H] of a shape to snugly encircle the finger outwardly of the first joint but with the ball or sensitive portion of the finger exposed, as shown in Fig. 2, in order not to interfere with the use of the same or at least to permit the same to be used.

One attractive embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 wherein the device is of thin slotted material providing an openwork construction. The slots H are shown lengthwise but may be in any other desired arrangement.

The rear portion I2 of the device is of substantially cylindrical shape to afford sufficient engagement with the finger to cause the same to be retained thereon. This foundation portion i2 may be a split ring and with or without the ends of the ring overlapping but preferably is m suificiently flexible to substantially grip the finger. The forward top portion of the device tapers outwardly to a point in a manner to generally conform to and overlie the fingernail of the user. It therefore performs a function simi- 15 lar to that of a fingernail and a reinforcement and shield for the natural nail. The sides l3 of the device are sloped rearwardly. downward from the point for strength and ornamentation.

The device may fit on the finger by friction or it may be more or less positively held on the fingers through the medium of a wrist band M, as shown in Fig. 4. The wrist band I4 has a series of flexible strips I5 connected thereto each of which at its outer end is connected to the device through the medium of tie slot or opening it, note Figs. 1 and 2.

An attachment of the type just described has not only a utility value, but also has ornamental characteristics. Thus the attachment may be formed of suitable material such as thin metal, Celluloid, hard rubber or the like of attractive coloring, similar or in contrast to the color of the nail, the open construction of the device exposing the nail therebeneath. An attractive effect is thus created which has marked appeal. Furthermore, the openwork construction permits circulation of air and is more comfortable to the wearer.

In Figs. 5 and 6, the device is formed with a body of rubbery material having a stiff portion overlying the nail, the remaining portion being soft. In other words, the device may be formed of rubber or analogous relatively soft material and with a vulcanized or otherwise suitably attached hard or stiff nail covering. The ring portion I8 is of relatively soft, flexible rubber. The inner surface of the finger-gripping or ring portion is formed with annular ridges or ribs l9 which ensure a more effective gripping action and prevent displacement of the same from the finger. Among the advantages of this construction are case and economy of manufacture, while at the same time obtaining a positive friction grip.

The modification of Fig, '7 is similar to that of Fig. 6 but with a nail covering body portion 20 of rubber or analogous material having inserted therein a reinforcement in the form of a relatively stiff member 2! which gives body to the part 20 and also lends rigidity to the latter. The member 2| may be formed of sheet metal or analogous material and may be molded directly into the body portion 28 or inserted in the end thereof after the latter is formed. In its preferred form, the device is formed in its entirety, including the ring or finger gripping portion 22, of relatively soft flexible rubber with the nail piece 2| molded therein. This construction tends towards ease and economy in manufacture, while at the same time obtaining rigidity in the nail protecting portion.

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a finger attachment preferably of thin sheet material such as sheet metal or Celluloid, having a nail covering portion 23 and a finger gripping portion 24, the latter being rendered adaptable to various sizes of fingers by overlapping the adjacent ends thereof, as is clearly indicated in Fig. 10.

Fig. 11 shows a modification having a body portion 25 of a shape similar to that of any of the preceding figures, but with the annular ring portion 26 having its meeting ends slotted to provide a series of prongs 25a. Thus, if the device is made of Celluloid, sheet metal or analogous relatively rigid yet springy material, the prongs 26a will ensure a firm grip on the finger and prevent displacement.

In all of the forms described, the device is without rearwardly projecting portions, in order not to interfere with free movement of the fingers. Also, the forward end of the device terminates in a thin edge in order not to interfere with the nail and create an uncomfortable feeling on the part of the wearer. The device of each embodiment is free of any rim flanges or portions which would engage or form an obstruction for the end of the nail.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in this device without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawing and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An ornamental finger attachment comprising a nail protecting portion of substantially rigid forwardly tapering construction and an annular resilient finger engaging portion having contiguous arms formed with tines for effecting a frictional engagement with the finger.

2. An ornamental finger attachment particularly adapted for usewhile doing housework and performing similar tasks to avoid injury to the nail comprising an annular portion constructed to encircle the end of the finger and a nailoverlying and protecting portion projecting substantially forward in approximately the same degree of taper as the nail in order to permit the nail to assume and follow its normal position during growth, the body of the device being of substantially rigid material of open-work construction providing ventilation for the nail and exposing the nail to exterior view, the interior surface of the device being smooth and devoid of projections.

3. An ornamental finger attachment. comprising an annular portion constructed to encircle the end of the finger, and a nail overlying and protecting portion designed to lie over the nail, said annular portion having two opposed arms formed integrally therewith each of said arms having a plurality of curved finger. engaging members serving to effect resilient frictional engagement with the finger to retain the attachment in position.

4. An ornamental finger attachment designed particularly to be worn while performing house work and similar tasks to protect the nail of the JANE E. SIVIITH. 

